Elaine Cathirell's Obituary
Elaine Shields Cathirell was born on January 15, 1945 in Long Beach, California to her parents Eliza and Felix Theus. After a brief illness, Elaine passed away on July 21, 2023, while surrounded by her loving family.
Elaine graduated from Long Beach Polytechnic High School in 1963. She attended Long Beach City College where she studied Nursing. During this time, she met Ethell Cathirell, the love of her life. They married on March 17, 1967. This union was blessed with two children, Terri Lynne and Ethell Jr.
Elaine and Ethell resided in various communities within California over their 55 years of marriage ( Redding, Salinas, Sacramento, Davis, Corning, and Hollister). She was a devoted spouse in supporting her husband’s career, rearing their children, working, engaging in community activities, and completing her Bachelor of Science Degree at San Jose State University. After serving years in the medical field, Elaine changed career paths and became a seed analyst at Roger’s Seed Company in Gilroy. Her post graduate studies in botany earned her certification to manage the seed laboratory.
Elaine never forgot that Jesus was her Lord and Savior. She was formerly an active member of Second Baptist Church, Long Beach; Southern Baptist Church, Corning; Bethany Church of God in Christ, Gilroy and Sunnyslope Christian Center, Hollister prior to uniting with Shiloh Baptist Church in Sacramento where she was an avid attendee of both the Sunday School Class and Bible Study. She was a constant prayer warrior and possessed an unshakable faith even during her incurable illness.
Elaine joined the LINKS INC (Monterey Bay Chapter), an international service organization of Black women in which she held several elected positions. She continued her membership in the Sacramento Chapter upon retirement.
Elaine truly loved being with her husband, family and friends and sharing stories of God working in her life. Because she was such a warm, compassionate person, it was easy for others to share their life stories with her. She was an ardent ocean cruiser and always brought back interesting stories of her travels.
Elaine was proceeded in death by her mother, Eliza Hill; father, Felix Theus; brothers, Eundra Theus and Roby Estes; sisters, Phyllis Theus and Joan Shields. Elaine is survived by her husband, Ethell Cathirell Sr.; daughter, Dr. Terri Cathirell Kirkland (Royce); son, Ethell Cathirell Jr. (fiancée Myeasha Kimble); grandchildren: Royce D. Kirkland Jr., Ryan C. Kirkland (Floral), Dr. Marina E. Kirkland Mitchell (Spencer), Ethell Sebastian Cathirell, Alexcia E. Cathirell, and Julian A. Cathirell; great- grandchildren: De-Mari Wyatt, Camden Z. Kirkland, and Summer M. Kirkland; sister, Philistia Theus Hooper (Bill); brothers, Reggie Theus (Elaine)and George Estes, and a host of aunts, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family is requesting in lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Research, Healey and AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital. Link is massgeneral.org Phone: (617) 726-2000
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